Filing a false police report is a crime. Any person who gives or causes to be given false information to any law enforcement officer, with respect to the commission of any crime or incident, is guilty of a fourth-degree crime under the New Jersey Code of Criminal Justice (2C:28-4). Fourth degree crimes are punishable by a fine of not more than $ 1,000.00, or by imprisonment for not more than 18 months, or both.

VALID INCIDENT TYPES, DESCRIPTIONS AND EXAMPLES

Harassing Phone Call - Unwanted phone calls of an annoying, harassing, or threatening nature.
For example: Immediate hang-ups, obscene language, etc. with no known suspects.

Identity Theft/Fraud - Obtaining someone else's personal identifying information and using it to obtain credit, goods, or services.
For example: Someone obtains a credit card using your S.S.N. or obtains phone service using your personal information.

Lost Property - When property is missing or lost.
For example: Property that is missing, leaving items in restaurant, or missing from home.

Theft - Your property is taken without your permission.
For example: Property known to be stolen and missing may be reported. Lost property is not a theft.

Theft from Vehicle - Property is stolen from a motor vehicle.
For example: Stolen equipment or belongings from a vehicle.

Vandalism - The act of changing, modifying, or defacing public or private property.
For example: Graffiti, knocking over mailbox, throwing rock through windows, etc.

Vandalism of a Vehicle - The act of changing, modifying or defacing a motor vehicle.
For example: Graffiti, keying, throwing rocks through windows, denting on purpose or with an object etc.